On Friday, September 18, 2026, curiosity took flight at iLEAD Flex, a tuition-free public charter school in Lancaster, CA, which opened its doors this school year. During Glider on Campus Day, TK-8th grade learners traded their usual classroom routines for a hands-on look at the science of aviation. As part of the Soaring Aeronautics Project, developed in partnership with iLEAD Student Aerospace Projects, students had the rare opportunity to inspect, explore, and sit inside a real glider brought directly to their campus.
Throughout the day, learners stepped up to the cockpit to examine the aircraft up close, ask questions about how pilots navigate without an engine, and see classroom physics concepts come to life. By connecting textbook principles—like lift, drag, gravity, and thermal air currents—to a full-scale aircraft right outside their doors, the event sparked genuine excitement around aerospace engineering and aviation careers.
Experiences like Glider on Campus Day are designed to show young learners that the sky isn’t a limit—it’s a classroom. Watching TK learners and 8th graders alike light up as they learned how gliders ride invisible waves of rising air demonstrated the power of real-world, project-based learning.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our partners at Edwards Air Force Base and Skylark North Glider Flight School for bringing the aircraft to campus, sharing their expertise, and inspiring our learners to dream big and soar!
About iLEAD Flex:
iLEAD Flex is a free public TK-12 school dedicated to empowering learners through a versatile, personalized approach that balances campus life with independent study. Located in Lancaster, CA, we offer two distinct pathways: the iLEAD Flex Studio (TK-8), featuring 4-5 days of on-campus hands-on projects, and iLEAD Flex Exploration (TK-12), which provides home-based flexibility, instructional funds, and individualized college and career counseling. By offering a range of options, from A-G high school courses and college credit to community-based workshops, iLEAD Flex cultivates self-directed leaders who are equipped to pursue their unique passions and academic goals. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and find us at www.ileadflex.org.
